Two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to road traffic field, providing a two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof. The crossroad comprises a first road and a second road intersected with each other. At least one overpass or underpass crosses the first road and merges with the second road. The overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched from one side thereof. The bypass merges with the first road. The construction method includes constructing the two roads or starting from two existing roads. The prefabricated parts include a vaulted strip main body for overpass and vaulted strip for U-turn. Upon the crossroad of the present invention, traffics can make left turn, right turn and U-turn and go ahead without interruption. The crossroad of the present invention has simple structure and takes up less land.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to ChineseApplication No. 200510033805.7, filed Mar. 22, 2005, incorporated hereinby reference in its entirely.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a crossroad, and more particularly to atwo-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method andprefabricated parts thereof.

2. Description of Related Arts

Traffic jam at intersection of roads is a conventional problem all overthe world. Multi-level roadway interchanges, which permit continuoustraffic flow, are commonly used, but they take up much land, time andmoney to build and are impractical in a crowded city environment. Majorcrossroads controlled by traffic lights are also widely employed, butvehicles are required to stop on the red light, and are free to go onthe green light. These types of mono-level interchange cannoteffectively handle large volume in major cities. In addition, trafficaccidents occur frequently at crossroads.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,751 issued to Tsai et al on Sep. 11, 1990, provide acrossroad without traffic light, where vehicles can run withoutinterruption. But only one way is provided for vehicles to go straightor make left turn, right turn and U-turn.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a crossroadwithout disadvantage mentioned above which permit continuous trafficflow.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a crossroad wherevehicles can either drive straight through or turn without interruption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a crossroad wherevehicles can make turns in several ways.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a constructionmethod of a crossroad.

Another object of the present invention is to provide prefabricatedparts for constructing a crossroad.

Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, on one aspect,the present invention provides a crossroad comprising:

-   -   a first road;    -   a second road intersected with said first road; and    -   at least one overpass or underpass crossing said first road;    -   wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one        end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpass        merges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each        has a bypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges        with said first road.

On another aspect, the present invention provides a construction methodof a crossroad, including:

-   -   constructing a first road and a second road intersected from        each other or starting from existing two roads intersected from        each other;    -   constructing at least one overpass or underpass crossing said        first road and merging with said second road;    -   wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one        end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpass        merges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each        has a bypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges        with said first road.

On another aspect, the invention provides a prefabricated part forconstructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip main body foroverpass, wherein said vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass.

On another aspect, the invention provides a prefabricated part forconstructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip, wherein saidvaulted strip is installed on said first road and over said entrance forU-turn.

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinbelow. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according to afirst embodiment of the present invention, illustrating vehiclestraveling on the right side of roads, wherein overpasses is provided;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according toan alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustratingvehicles traveling on the left side of roads, wherein overpasses isprovided;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according toanother alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustratingvehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein overpasses isprovided;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according toanother alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustratingvehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein overpasses isprovided;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top elevational view of a prefabricated part foroverpass according to the present invention, illustrating vehiclestraveling on the right side of roads, wherein bypass is U-shaped;

FIG. 6 is a schematic top elevational view of a prefabricated part foroverpass according to the present invention, illustrating vehiclestraveling on the right side of roads, wherein bypass is a strip;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top elevational view of a prefabricated part foroverpass according to the present invention, illustrating vehiclestraveling on the right side of roads, wherein the prefabricated part isinstalled over an entrance for U-turn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a crossroad comprises road 1 and road 2intersected from each other. The road 1 has two roadway 11 and roadway13 separated by a median 12. The roadway 11 is for traffic traveling inone direction. The roadway 13 is for traffic traveling in one directionopposition to that of the roadway 11. The road 2 has roadway 21 androadway 23 separated by a median 22. The roadway 21 is for traffictraveling in one direction. The roadway 23 is for traffic traveling inone direction opposition to that of the roadway 21. Two entrances forU-turn 121 and 122 are provided between the roadway 11 and the roadway13 and on opposite side of the road 2 respectively. Two entrances forU-turn 221 and 223 are provided between the roadway 21 and the roadway23 and on opposite side of the road 1 respectively. Two entrances forturn 222 and 224 are provided between the roadway 21 and the roadway 23and on opposite side of the road 1 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates vehicles traveling on the rightside of the road. Two overpasses 24 and 25 cross the road 1 and mergewith the roadway 21 and the roadway 23 respectively. Two ends of theoverpass 24 are connected to the road surface of the roadway 21. Twoends of the overpass 25 are connected to the road surface of the roadway23. The overpass 24 has an entrance 242 at one end and an exit 243 atthe other end. The overpass 25 has an entrance 252 at one end and anexit 253 at the other end. The exit 253 is spaced farther from the road1 than the entrance 242 on the same side of the road 1. A distancebetween the exit 253 and the entrance 242 is set so that a vehicle fromthe entrance for turn 222 can smoothly drive into the entrance 242. Theexit 243 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the entrance 252 on thesame side of the road 1. A distance between the exit 243 and theentrance 252 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 224 cansmoothly drive into the entrance 242.

A bypass 241 is branched from one side of the overpass 24. An end 2411of the bypass 241 connected to inside road surface of the roadway 13.The bypass 241 is defined by two arms and U-shaped. And the two arms arenot in a same plane. The arm connected to the overpass 24 is longer thanthe arm connected to the roadway 13. An intermediate section of the twoarms is wider the two arms. A bypass 251 is branched from one side ofthe overpass 25. An end 2511 of the bypass 251 connected to inside roadsurface of the roadway 11. The bypass 251 is similar to the bypass 241in shape.

The entrance for U-turn 221 is spaced farther from the road 1 than theentrance 242 on the same side of the road 1. A distance between theentrance for U-turn 221 and the entrance 242 is set so that a vehiclefrom the entrance for U-turn 221 can smoothly drive into the entrance242. The entrance for U-turn 223 is spaced farther from the road 1 thanthe entrance 252 on the same side of the road 1. A distance between theentrance for U-turn 223 and the entrance 252 is set so that a vehiclefrom the entrance for U-turn 223 can smoothly drive into the entrance252.

The entrance for turn 222 is spaced between the entrance for U-turn 221and the entrance 242. A distance between the entrance for turn 222 andthe entrance 242 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 222can smoothly drive into the entrance 242. The entrance for turn 224 isspaced between the entrance for U-turn 223 and the entrance 252. Adistance between the entrance for turn 224 and the entrance 252 is setso that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 224 can smoothly drive intothe entrance 252.

An overpass 14 crosses the entrance for U-turn 121 and merges theroadway 13. Both two ends of the overpass 14 are connected to insideroad surface of the roadway 13. An overpass 15 crosses the entrance forU-turn 122 and merges the roadway 11. Both two ends of the overpass 15are connected to inside road surface of the roadway 11.

A vehicle A and a vehicle D can drive straight through the crossroadwithout interruption on the roadway 21 and the roadway 11 respectively.

To turn right, the vehicle A follows the arrow a; the vehicle D followsthe arrow d. Alternatively, the vehicle A goes across the overpass 24,the entrance for U-turn 223 and the entrance 252 so as to enter thebypass 251 and merge into the roadway 11; the vehicle D goes across theentrance for U-turn 12, then follows the arrow c, then goes across theentrance for turn 224 so as to merges into the roadway 23. Also, thevehicle A can goes across the overpass 24 and the entrance for U-turn223, and then follows the arrow b and goes across the entrance forU-turn 121 and merges into the roadway 11.

To turn left, the vehicle A enter the entrance 242 so as to enter thebypass 241 and merges into the roadway 13; the vehicle D follows thearrow d and goes across the entrance for turn 222 so as to merges intothe roadway 12. Alternatively, the vehicle A follows the arrow a andgoes across the entrance for U-turn 122 so as to merges into the roadway13; the vehicle D goes across the entrance for U-turn 122, then followsthe arrow c so as to merge into the roadway 21. Also, the vehicle A cangoes across the overpass 24 and the entrance for U-turn 223, and thenfollows the arrow b so as to merge into the roadway 13.

To do a U-turn, the vehicle A goes across the entrance for U-turn 223 soas to merge into the roadway 23; the vehicle D goes across the entrancefor U-turn 122 so as to merge into the roadway 13. Alternatively, thevehicle A follows the arrow a and goes across the entrance for U-turn122 and the entrance for U-turn 121 in turn, and then follows the arrowd so as to merge into the roadway 23; the vehicle D follows the arrow d,and then enter the entrance 242 and the bypass 241 so as to merge intothe roadway 13.

Other ways for the vehicle A and D to make right or left turn and U-turnis not illustrated. The movements of the vehicle B and C arerespectively similar to that of the vehicle A and D.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 2 can bereplaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure ofthe crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. Themovements of vehicles are also similar.

Referring to FIG. 2, which illustrates vehicles traveling on the leftside of roads. The structure of the crossroad is similar to that of thecrossroad in FIG 2. The overpasses 24 and 25 accommodate vehicles totravel on the left side of roads. The movements of vehicles are alsosimilar but on the left side of roads.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 2 can bereplaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure ofthe crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. Themovements of vehicles are also similar.

Referring to FIG. 3, a crossroad comprises road 1 and road 2 intersectedfrom each other. The road 1 has one roadway for traffic traveling in onedirection. The road 2 has roadway 21 and roadway 23 separated by amedian 22. The roadway 21 is for traffic traveling in one direction. Theroadway 23 is for traffic traveling in one direction opposition to thatof the roadway 21.

An overpass 24 crosses the road 1 and merges with the roadway 21. Twoends of the overpass 24 are connected to the road surface of the roadway21. The overpass 24 has an entrance 242 at one end and an exit 243 atthe other end.

A bypass 241 is branched from the overpass 24. The bypass 241 is astrip. An end 2411 of the bypass 241 connected to the road surface ofthe road 1.

An overpass 25 crosses the road 1 and merges with the roadway 23. Twoends of the overpass 25 are connected to the road surface of the roadway23. The overpass 25 has an entrance 252 at one end and an exit 253 atthe other end.

A bypass 251 is branched from the overpass 25. An end 2411 of the bypass241 connected to the road surface of the road 1. The bypass 241 isdefined by two arms and U-shaped. And the two arms are not in a sameplane. The arm connected to the overpass 25 is longer than the armconnected to the roadway 13. An intermediate section of the two arms iswider the two arms.

Two entrances for U-turn 221 and 222 are provided between the roadway 21and the roadway 23 and on opposite side of the road 1 respectively. Theentrance for U-turn 221 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the exit253 so that a vehicle from the exit 253 can smoothly make a U-turn. TheEntrance for U-turn 222 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the exit243 so that a vehicle from the exit 243 can smoothly make a U-turn.

A vehicle A goes straight across the overpass 24. To turn right, thevehicle A follows the arrow a. Alternatively, the vehicle A enters theentrance 242 and the bypass 241 so as to merge into the road 1.

A vehicle B goes straight across the overpass 25. To turn left, thevehicle B enters the entrance 252 and the bypass 251 so as to merge intothe road 1. Alternatively, the vehicle B goes across the overpass 25 andthe entrance for U-turn 221, and then does the same movement of thevehicle A in turning right.

A vehicle C goes straight smoothly. To turn right, the vehicle C followsthe arrow c1. To turn left, the vehicle C follows the arrow C2.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 3 can bereplaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure ofthe crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. Themovements of vehicles are also similar.

Not illustrated in drawings, the crossroad illustrating in FIG. 3 can bechanged to accommodate vehicles to travel in the left side of roads.

Referring to FIG. 4, a crossroad comprises road 1 and road 2 intersectedfrom each other. The road 1 and 2 each has one roadway for traffictraveling in one direction.

An overpass 21 crosses the road 1 and merges with the road 2. Two endsof the overpass 21 are connected to the road surface of the road 2.

A bypass 211 is branched from the overpass 21. The bypass 241 is astrip. The bypass 241 has an entrance 2411 connected to the road surfaceof the road 1.

A vehicle A goes straight across the overpass 21. To turn right, thevehicle A follows the arrow a.

A vehicle B goes straight smoothly. To turn left, the vehicle B entersthe entrance 252 and the bypass 251 so as to merge into the road 2.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 4 can bereplaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure ofthe crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. Themovements of vehicles are also similar.

Not illustrated in drawings, the crossroad illustrating in FIG. 4 can bechanged to accommodate vehicles to travel in the left side of roads.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a construction method of a crossroadincludes constructing two roads intersected from each other and at leastone overpass or underpass with a bypass. The construction method canstart form two existing roads intersected from each other.Alternatively, the overpass is prefabricated and installed on one of thetwo roads.

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrating a prefabricated part for constructinga crossroad, the prefabricated part comprises a vaulted strip main bodyfor overpass. The vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass. Thebranch is defined by two arms and U-shaped. And the two arms are not ina same plane. The arm connected to the vaulted strip main body is longerthan the arm connected to a roadway. An intermediate section of the twoarms is wider the two arms.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrating a prefabricated part for constructinga crossroad, the prefabricated part comprises a vaulted strip main bodyfor overpass. The vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass. Thebranch is a strip, which has a wider end connected to the vaulted stripmain body.

Referring to FIG. 7, illustrating a prefabricated part for constructinga crossroad, the prefabricated part comprises a vaulted strip forinstalling over an entrance for U-turn.

According to different requirements, the prefabricated parts vary inlength, width and thickness. Material for making the prefabricated partscan be chosen from steel, steel and concrete and the like.

According to different traffic condition, each roadway of the road thecrossroad has one or more lanes.

As described with numerous exemplary embodiments, a two-level continuousflow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereofare proposed. However, for those skilled in this field, these exemplaryembodiments can be easily adapted and modified to suit additionalapplications without departing from the spirit and scope of thisinvention. For example, with minor modification, two-level continuousflow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereofare applicable to the intersection of crossroads shaped

,

, and

. Thus it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been madeby way of example only and that numerous changes in the detailedconstruction and the combination and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas hereinafter claimed.

1. A crossroad comprising: a first road; a second road intersected withsaid first road; and at least one overpass or underpass crossing saidfirst road; wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance atone end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpassmerges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each has abypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges with saidfirst road.
 2. The crossroad, as recited in claim 1, further comprising:first two entrances for U-turn provided on said first road; and twoentrances for turn and second two entrances for U-turn provided on saidsecond road; wherein both first road and second road have two roadwaysfor traffic traveling in opposite direction, two overpasses orunderpasses cross said first road and merge with said two roadways ofsaid second road respectively, said exit being spaced further from saidfirst road than said entrance on the same side of said first road, saidtwo overpasses or underpasses each has a bypass having an outlet wheresaid two overpasses or underpasses merges with said two roadways of saidfirst road respectively, said first two entrances for U-tum are providedat intermediate section of said two roadway of said first road andlocated on opposite side of said second road respectively, said twoentrances for turn are provided at intermediate section of said tworoadway of said second road and between said entrance and said exit onthe same side of said first road respectively, said second two entrancesfor U-turn are provided at intermediate section of said two roadway ofsaid second road and adjacent to one of said exit in a direction apartfrom said first road respectively; whereby a vehicle driving into saidentrance and out of said exit of one of said two overpasses orunderpasses and across one of said second two entrances for u-turn ismovable over the other of said two overpasses or underpasses for makinga U-turn, and driving across one of said two entrances for turn ismovable over one of said two overpasses or underpasses for making a leftor right turn.
 3. The crossroad, as recited in claim 2, furthercomprising two overpasses or underpasses which cross said first twoentrances for U-turn on said first road and merge with said two roadwaysof said first road.
 4. The crossroad, as recited in claim 2 or 3,wherein said two bypasses are each defined by two arms and U-shaped,said two arms is not in a plane, the intermediate section of said twoarms is wider than said two arms.
 5. The crossroad, as recited in claim4, wherein said two bypasses merge with said two roadways of said firstroad at inside section thereof respectively.
 6. The crossroad, asrecited in claim 1, further comprising two entrances for U-turn providedon said second road and on opposite side of said first road, whereinsaid second road has two roadways for traffic traveling in two oppositedirections, said first road has one roadway for traffic traveling in onedirection, two overpasses or underpasses cross said first road and mergewith said two roadways of said second road respectively, said twooverpasses or underpasses each has a bypass having an outlet where saidtwo overpasses or underpasses merges with said two roadways of saidfirst road respectively on opposite side of said first road.
 7. Thecrossroad, as recited in claim 6, wherein one of said bypass is definedby two arms and U-shaped, said two arms is not in a plane, theintermediate section of said two arms is wider than said two arms, theother bypass is a strip.
 8. The crossroad, as recited in claim 1,wherein said first road and second road each has one roadway for traffictraveling in one direction, one overpass or underpass crosses said firstroad and merge with said second road, said overpass or underpass has abypass which merges with said first road.
 9. The crossroad, as recitedin claim 8, wherein said bypass is a strip, which has a wider endconnected to said overpass or underpass.
 10. A construction method of acrossroad, including: constructing a first road and a second roadintersected from each other or starting from existing two roadsintersected from each other; constructing at least one overpass orunderpass crossing said first road and merging with said second road;wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one end and aexit at the other end where said overpass or underpass merges with saidsecond road, said overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched fromone side thereof, said bypass merges with said first road.
 11. Theconstruction method, as recited in claim 10, wherein said overpass isprefabricated and installed on said second road.
 12. A prefabricatedpart for constructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip main bodyfor overpass, wherein said vaulted strip main body has a branch forbypass.
 13. The prefabricated part, as recited in claim 12, wherein saidbranch is defined by two arms and U-shaped, said two arms is not in aplane, the intermediate section of said two arms is wider than said twoarms.
 14. The prefabricated part, as recited in claim 12, wherein saidbranch is a strip which has a wider end connected to said overpass. 15.A prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, comprising a vaultedstrip, wherein said vaulted strip is installed on said first road andover said entrance for U-turn.